The money Atleti expects to receive from Almada's sale

Atlético de Madrid could face one of the most delicate decisions in its recent planning in the upcoming transfer window. Thiago Almada, one of the most exciting signings of last summer, finds himself in a state of uncertainty just a few months after arriving at the Metropolitano.

The red and white club does not rule out an early departure for the Argentine forward, aware that his role has become clearly secondary and that the market may still offer an opportunity to recover the investment made.

An exciting signing that faded away

Thiago Almada joined Atlético de Madrid last summer in an operation valued at 21 million euros, although the club only acquired 50% of his rights. His signing was seen as a strategic bet on young talent, creativity, and attacking prowess in the final third.

The Argentine's start to the season was promising. Almada showed personality, technical quality, and the ability to make a difference across the lines. During the initial weeks, he was an important piece in Diego Simeone's plans, bringing freshness and offensive solutions to a team in need of attacking imagination.

However, an untimely injury completely changed the scenario. The break forced the player to halt a very positive progression, and upon his return, nothing was the same. The team's competitive pace and the tactical demands of the coach left him on the sidelines from which he has not been able to emerge.

Diminishing prominence under Simeone

After recovering physically, Thiago Almada has not been able to rediscover his best form. The Argentine has had few opportunities to prove himself, and when he has taken to the field, it has been without the continuity needed to gain confidence and influence in the team.

The coaching staff believes the player still has talent, but they also acknowledge that he has not fully fit into the team's current dynamics post-injury. Competition in the attacking positions and the need for immediate results have further reduced his margin for error.

Simeone has opted for more established and reliable profiles in the short term, relegating Almada to a very secondary role. This situation has raised doubts both in the player and the club, which are starting to question whether keeping him without prominence is the best decision for all parties involved.

At 24 years old, the Argentine needs playing time, continuity, and confidence to keep growing. Remaining on the bench for months could hinder a progression that, until recently, seemed unstoppable.

Atlético opens the door and sets its financial objective

In this context, Atlético de Madrid is no longer ruling out a sale. The red and white entity understands that if Almada is not going to have a relevant role, the most sensible approach is to explore the market and consider offers. The priority is clear: recoup the investment made.

The club expects to receive around 20 million euros for 50% of the player's rights, a figure very close to what was paid last summer. This is not a transaction aimed at immediate profit, but rather to minimize risks and free up space in the sports planning.

There are clubs monitoring his situation, especially teams valuing his creativity and ability to play in between the lines. Almada remains a player with international appeal, and his age plays in his favor when attracting suitors.

From the player's entourage, it is understood that a departure could be beneficial if his role does not change in the coming weeks. Atlético, on the other hand, keeps the door open but is not in a hurry. The idea is not to sell below value and find a solution that allows closing this chapter without significant losses.

What seemed like a future bet has turned, in record time, into a present dilemma. Thiago Almada came to grow at Atlético de Madrid, but football does not always follow the expected script. The next transfer window will be crucial in defining whether his time at the Metropolitano continues or, conversely, ends sooner than expected.